WEBVTT GOOD EVENING.I’M CRAIG CANNON.PAIGE: I’M PAIGE PREUSSE.40/29’S BRETT RAINS WAS THE ONLYHE REPORTS FROM LITTLE ROCK.>> THIS AFTERNOON ATTORNEYARKANSANS.THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THOSE>> DRUG COMPANIES SHOULD NEVERIN SHORT, THESE COMPANIES LIED.-- MANUFACTURERS LIED.>> THE LAWSUIT FILED TODAY INBY THE ARKANSAS MEDICAIDTHE LAWSUIT ALSO CLAIMS THE>> THESE LIES TOLD BY>> THIS DISPLAY OF THE STATETODAY’S LAWSUIT DOES NOT LIST A>> I REACHED OUT TO THETHREEJOHNSON & JOHNSON REPLIEDA SPOKESPERSON SAID THE

Arkansas says drug makers to blame for opioid crisis

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Updated: 3:28 PM CDT Mar 29, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) —

Arkansas officials say they are suing three drug manufacturers, claiming that their marketing led to an increase in opioid abuse that resulted in 401 deaths two years ago.

The lawsuit in Pulaski County Circuit Court names Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson and Endo Pharmaceuticals. The state claims they broke laws against deceptive trade practices and the filing of false Medicaid claims.

The state says the manufacturers misled people into believing opioids could be used as a non-addictive treatment for chronic pain.

"Drug companies should never place their desire for profits above the health and well being of customers or the communities where their customers live," Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said. "In short, these companies lied."

Other states have filed their own lawsuits against drug companies while others are considering claims to cover multiple states.

Several Arkansas cities and counties filed a similar lawsuit last week.

Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals says it promoted its drugs responsibly and that the accusations are baseless.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)